This female
Phyllonorycter esperella emerged recently from some mines I collected from fallen hornbeam leaves in the autumn, from Forestganol, North Cardiff.
Dave and I have found mines on hornbeam over the last few years in North Cardiff, but as there are no previous county records Dave wanted to see the moth too - so this will be the first confirmed VC41 record I think.
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| P esperella |
The moth has periodically been raising its abdomen as shown in the photo below - I presume this is a way of releasing pheromones to attract males.
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| P esperella - displaying? |
It's a handsome beast, George. Great photos, too.
ReplyDeleteFab, well done George
ReplyDeleteNice one George. Does it pupate within the leaf?
ReplyDeleteYes, Phyllonorycters pupate within the leaf and so are easier to rear than Stigmella etc which don't. I just left the leaves in a plastic box in an out-house over the winter - as simple as that.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations George, and an interesting behaviour shot too.
ReplyDelete